01
losen
to draw lots
To make a decision or distribute something through a random process, such as drawing lots.
example
Wir haben gelost, wer das letzte Stück Kuchen bekommt.
We drew lots to decide who gets the last piece of cake.
losen
to draw lots
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'losen' (to draw lots) comes directly from the noun 'das Los' (lot/ticket). A 'Los' is a slip of paper or another object that you draw in a lottery or for a random decision.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten nur noch ein Ticket, also mussten wir losen.
We only had one ticket left, so we had to draw lots.
Sentence structure and usage
You can use 'losen' (to draw lots) to decide something (um + accusative) or to determine who should do something (subordinate clause with 'wer' (who)).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder losten um den besten Platz.
The children drew lots for the best seat.
Typical situations
'Losen' is typically used in informal situations among friends, children, or groups to make a fair, random decision.
EXAMPLE
Da beide Teams gleich gut waren, wurde der Sieger durch Losen ermittelt.
Since both teams were equally good, the winner was determined by drawing lots.
Compare with
losen vs verlosen
to raffle off
'verlosen' and 'losen' both have to do with a decision made by chance. 'verlosen' is used when a prize, a gift, or a place is given to someone through a drawing. So there is usually something to win. 'losen' is more general: you decide by chance who gets something, who starts, or who takes on a task. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with lots. Remember: you raffle off a prize with 'verlosen', but you draw lots for an order or a task with 'losen'.
losen
Vor dem Spiel losen die Kinder, wer zuerst im Tor steht.
Before the game, the children draw lots to decide who stands in goal first.
verlosen
Der Sportverein verlost nach dem Turnier drei neue Fußbälle.
After the tournament, the sports club raffles off three new soccer balls.
In real life
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